The Best Hearty Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Scooping up a burst of flavor, this chicken burrito bowl recipe delivers a delicious midweek meal that combines zesty spices and fresh ingredients.

Packed with tender, seasoned chicken and vibrant vegetables, the bowl creates a satisfying dining experience.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of protein, grains, and colorful toppings.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Crisp bell peppers and fluffy rice provide a delightful texture contrast.

Customize with your favorite garnishes to make this bowl uniquely yours.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering and nutritious meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully, select fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps spices stick to chicken and creates golden, crispy exterior.

• Chili Powder: Adds warm, smoky heat and depth to chicken marinade.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that brings authentic Southwestern flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense, concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet, sharp onion flavor without chopping.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out other spice notes.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to marinade.
• Lime Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds bright, citrusy punch.

• Rice: Fluffy base that soaks up delicious chicken juices.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume with creamy texture.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide fresh crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juicy, fresh flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich topping that adds healthy fats.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty element for flavor contrast.
• Cheese: Melty, tangy topping that brings richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds vibrant, green notes.

Tools for Prepping a Tasty Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and creating a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing chicken and preparing fresh toppings like tomatoes and avocado.
• Sharp knife: Helps you dice chicken precisely and chop fresh ingredients quickly.
• Mixing bowl: Great for tossing chicken with spices and ensuring even seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately measuring spices and creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping and handling chicken while cooking in the skillet.
• Serving bowls: Needed for assembling and serving your burrito bowl with all the tasty ingredients.

How to Assemble Chicken Burrito Bowls at Home

• Season Chicken Brilliantly

Whip up a flavor explosion by coating chicken with a zesty blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a splash of zingy lime juice. Massage the seasonings thoroughly into the meat for maximum taste.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Fire up a skillet on medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through. The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature and develop a mouthwatering caramelized exterior.

• Rest and Slice

Allow the chicken to relax for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it into tempting strips or bite-sized chunks that will make your burrito bowl sing with flavor.

• Create Your Flavor Powerhouse

Layer your bowl with a foundation of fluffy rice, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Strategically place your perfectly cooked chicken on top, then shower the creation with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, zesty red onion, sprinkle of cheese, and a confetti of bright cilantro.

• Dive In and Enjoy

Mix all the ingredients together, letting the flavors mingle and dance. Your restaurant-quality burrito bowl is ready to devour!

Toppings and Swaps for Chicken Burrito Bowl Fans

• Prep chicken and chop veggies the night before to save time during busy weekdays, storing ingredients separately in sealed containers.
• Swap regular rice for cauliflower rice and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, black beans, or shredded beef for versatile protein options that suit different taste preferences.
• Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños to increase heat, or reduce spices for a milder version perfect for sensitive palates.
• Create a plant-based version by substituting chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or grilled portobello mushrooms for hearty texture and flavor.

Ways to Present Burrito Bowls in Bowls or Wraps

• Fiesta Fusion Plating: Layer ingredients in a colorful, vibrant arrangement with chicken as the centerpiece, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that pops with bright colors and textures.
• Customizable Comfort Station: Set up a DIY burrito bowl bar where family or guests can personalize their bowls with additional toppings like salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, or extra cheese for a fun, interactive meal experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, making it easy to assemble quick lunches throughout the week. Chicken, rice, and beans can stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair the burrito bowl with crispy tortilla chips, fresh lime wedges, or a zesty Mexican-style coleslaw to complement the bold flavors and add extra crunch and freshness to the meal.

Burrito Bowl Storage Ideas for Quick Lunches

• Keep leftover chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Batch cook ingredients like rice, beans, and chicken ahead of time to create speedy weeknight dinner assemblies that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Package individual burrito bowl components separately in freezer-safe containers, which can last up to 3 months and provide convenient grab-and-go meal options for busy schedules.
• Cool cooked ingredients completely before refrigerating, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining delicious taste quality for future meals.

Hearty Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl delivers a perfect harmony of zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with grilled chicken, fresh salsa, black beans, and cilantro-lime rice, this bowl promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 (15-oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or greek yogurt
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the vibrant spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Protein Searing: Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat and strategically place marinated chicken. Cook each side meticulously for 5-7 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing into appetizing strips.
3. Bowl Construction: Layer a foundation of fluffy rice, creating a canvas for subsequent ingredients. Artfully distribute black beans and sweet corn across the base. Arrange sliced chicken atop the grains with precision.
4. Garnish and Finish: Crown the bowl with a colorful array of cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each addition contributes texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the final composition.

Notes

• Let chicken sit in the spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice for low-carb option, use dairy-free cheese for vegan version, or add extra protein with quinoa base.
• Cook extra chicken and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making future burrito bowls faster and easier to assemble.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg